The increase in coronavirus infections is pushing German laboratories to their limits. The number of PCR tests performed has recently increased by 40 percent. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) now wants to regulate the details in a new testing regulation.
Who will have the right to a PCR test in Germany?
PCR tests are to be possible especially for “vulnerable groups and the workers who care for and treat them,” the resolution says. The resolution also lists specific groups of people: “Staff in particular in hospitals, in doctors’ offices, in care facilities, in institutions for integrative assistance and for people at risk of severe disease. In their case, suspected Covid 19 virus infection should still be clarified by PCR testing.” PCR testing is also to be used in high-risk patients to enable early treatment. These include elderly, immunosuppressed patients and patients with several diseases at the same time, according to the resolution.
Who will no longer have the right to the PCR test?
But there is no mention of other groups in critical infrastructure, such as employees of water and energy suppliers, in commerce, educators or teachers. Teachers’ associations in Germany want their profession on the priority list. But Bremen Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD), for example, has already dismissed the idea in an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland: “Pupils do not have an above-average risk of severe illness.”
What to do if a red alert appears in the Corona Warn App?
Until now, people with a red alert should contact the health department and were usually offered a free PCR test. This is now set to change. PCR tests for suspected cases are to no longer be available. Lauterbach has already appealed to people to be personally responsible; they should monitor the situation with quick tests.
Some countries require a negative PCR test upon entry. Where can travelers get one?
The new regulation does not affect the scope of commercial testing. “The federal testing regulation does not include provisions for privately paid PCR tests. The question of the prices that providers charge for tests required for entry into other countries is not regulated,” – A spokesman for the North Rhine-Westphalia Health Ministry said. That means those who pay will still get their tests on vacation.
How can I end the quarantine early?
People infected with coronavirus can test themselves seven days after isolation. Currently, a certified rapid test conducted at a testing center is sufficient for this. Contrary to original plans, employees of clinics and nursing homes do not have to undergo PCR testing for this purpose: “In the future, general rules will also apply to them,” – The resolution reads.
Tests from which testing centers will be recognized?
Currently, tests performed at test centers that offer certified tests are recognized. The Rhinelander Pharmacists Association is calling for it to be limited to centers run by doctors or pharmacists. “The planned prioritization in PCR testing means more responsibility for citizen testing centers. Positive results of the rapid test must also be the basis for official documentation of infection for convalescent status. Only doctor’s offices and pharmacies can take on this responsibility,” – says association head Thomas Preis. Only health professionals can also provide qualified counseling. “We must not leave people alone with a positive test result.”
source: rp-online.de